B. Projects that inspire; why they are successful and how they inform my idea
- The interactive stair:
Interactivity
“Our final product is an array of Do-It-Yourself pressure sensors that can measure how much force is placed on them as someone takes a step. This array is placed on the floor for demonstration purposes, but it was intended to be placed on stairs to detect people’s steps as they walk up the stairs. Each of the sensors is connected to an Arduino which is controlled by a computer using Processing that it hooked up to a projector. As people take steps, an animation of a flower is projected from the ceiling down to the floor where the person is standing.”
Source(and for more information): https://cambridge.nuvustudio.com/studios/data-driven-design/interactive-stairs
2. London’s Song Board
Interactivity
“The role of the visitors
Interacting at the Song Board was optional. At the same time, the overall levels of engagement also varied. Some people observed the event while others participated.
Most visitors tended to go for the option of pre-arranged displays for printing on the board. Then, the crowd could “flash mob” the given venue for making their plans an ultimate reality. The stark contrast got further amplified as the ball matrix is known to rotate in four possible options –yellow, yellow/black, black/yellow, and black.
Using these specialized features, the users were able to create an impressive series of shapes, lines, symbols, patterns, and designs. To top it all, the ball matrix was wired up to individual micro-switches. A small movement of the same could help in creating a connection for producing a brief section of sound.”
This video shows how the spheres are turned:
Source: https://publicdelivery.org/song-board-london/’
C. Based on reading materials we have learnt so far, I think a successful interactive experience should include the participation of both parties: the device/installation itself and the audience, that the experience is built up through continuous inputs and outputs in the form of visual, audio and etc.
For a contrast, though the Conwy Game of Life is also programed with Processing, it is not very interactive because it only needs a set-up and all you need to do from then is to watch and think. It does has an input and a feedback, but not a continuous back and forth.